Life's Little Pleasures

Yay, another long weekend is here! I feel a little spoiled for plans. I’m starting off with a luxurious 6 hour spa day (a gift to myself!), followed by a quick jaunt outside the city to a blueberry pickin’ heaven, then a trip or two to the local Ribfest for a down and dirty finger-lickin’ dinner, and finally diving into a new summer novel. I will also be working on a new post from a recent local funventure with the boy.

But first I thought I’d start off the weekend with a few fun links you guys might enjoy.

Waking up early is no one’s idea of fun, especially on a long weekend. But check out this list of hilarious and brutally honest coffee mugs that might make that bright morning sunshine a little easier to swallow.

If your summer trip to Italy is still just a day dream, allow me to add to your fantasy album. Follow a day in the life of the beautiful and incredibly perky Giada de Laurentiis as she films her show in Florence.

And if your summer leanings are more Gallic, this interview with the French Chantecaille sisters will have you finding your inner French girl!

Another year older, another year wiser (well, maybe)! I’m off to celebrate my special day with the boy. Can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve! In the meantime, I want to share with you a few links that are perfect for a wintery birthday weekend.

A winter celebration calls for a dessert that makes you feel all warm and delicious! Athena Calderone has created perfection with her cardamom cake with honey buttercream…have a look…then give it a try!

It seems like tea is the new coffee. Browsing the wide variety of this hot genial beverage is even more fun at these top tea shops in New York City!

I can’t believe how long it’s been since I posted my last Weekend Edition. I guess it’s true that life sometimes gets in the way of fun. But I can no longer wait to share with you all a few inspiring ideas I have come across lately. I hope you will indulge in a little site surfing with me!

Although the countdown to Christmas has already begun, and the stress of shopping and decorating has officially set in, I try to make every day count with a special little gift. Here are 7 Awesome Advent Calendars that can help make every day of the holidays bright.

I understand that not everyone can afford the lifestyle peddled by the perennially pert Gwyneth Paltrow (yes, I went there!), but why not raise a glass to a delicious holiday cocktail or tasty treats that won’t break the bank.

Finally, curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and flip through the best Christmas Gift Catalogue of the year. Thanks Neiman Marcus, I know what I’ll be dreaming about tonight!

Spring is here!!!! I’ve been waiting to say those three little words for what seems like EVER! And first day temperature didn’t disappoint either. As I walked outside at lunch time, I closed my eyes and turned my face to soak in the warm rays like a starved flower. Hope you’ve had a gorgeous day and now can sit back and enjoy these weekend links!

I came across the beautiful artwork of Jose Romussi through my web wanderings and completely fell in love with this series of art pieces that combine embroidery and photography. Absolutely stunning!

I’m not the only one revelling in the first signs of spring. Carin Olsson shares some dreamy glimpses of the season in Paris on her site.

Sometimes you come across the most amazing thing and you feel like sharing it with everybody because it is that insanely good! Well I’ve found the perfect savoury treat that’s become a weekend favourite at my house.

Ugh…the weather outside is more than frightful (but at least I don’t live in Buffalo!) and it’s not even officially winter. I have to take the time to remind myself of the gorgeous and yummy things that I can indulge in when the world lies under a white blanket of snow. Maybe you’ll find something you’ll love as well. Enjoy!

With all that fluffy stuff coming down from the sky, all I can think about is a White Christmas. If a snow covered holiday is also on your wish list, Brooke Saward shares the best 10 cities for your dream Christmas.

Inevitably with snow comes the cold. There is probably nothing better than a steamy cup of hot chocolate after a day of outdoor fun. I’ve pinned an amazing infographic with 18 ways to spice up your cup to my Pinterest page. I may have to try all of them!

I can never have too many warm and cozy pieces in my winter wardrobe. This week’s EDIT magazine from online retailer Net-A-Porter has a list of the most beautiful seasonal pieces that I’m now officially drooling over.